EKU Engineering Marks Milestone with First Graduating Class

Eastern Kentucky University’s Spring 2026 commencement will mark a milestone for the university’s growing engineering program as its first cohort of students prepares to cross the stage. These students are ready to begin the next chapter of their journeys, with most having already secured employment following graduation. 

“EKU’s engineering program was launched in response to industry and workforce demands across the Commonwealth,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “As Kentucky’s manufacturing economy continues to grow, EKU is producing skilled graduates who are prepared to contribute immediately to the workforce. Congratulations to our first engineering graduates! We’re excited for what your future holds with an engineering degree from EKU.” 

Among EKU’s first engineering graduating class, Jasper McCoy, from Belfry, Kentucky, is graduating with a bachelor’s in engineering with a concentration in advanced manufacturing. His early interest in engineering began with taking apart and rebuilding toys, a curiosity that grew into robotics in high school and ultimately led him to EKU.

Originally a forensic science major, McCoy said his path shifted when EKU introduced engineering, and “everything fell into place perfectly.” He chose EKU for its personable environment where faculty build strong relationships with students and provide support beyond the classroom. He also values learning from professors with real industry experience. 

From lab-based coursework to required internships, McCoy said those experiences prepared him for the workforce. 

“I don’t think other schools offer the hands-on, real-world experience that you get here at EKU,” said McCoy. 

That preparation has already led to his next step. McCoy has accepted a position as a process engineer with Astemo Americas, Inc. in Harrodsburg, where he previously interned. The company manufactures engine management, electric powertrain and integrated vehicle control systems for major automotive manufacturers worldwide. 

Also in EKU’s first engineering class, Abraham Martinez-Bartolo, from Richmond, Kentucky, is graduating as a triple major, earning a bachelor’s in engineering with a concentration in lean and quality management, along with degrees in physics and Spanish. He began taking engineering classes in high school and chose EKU for affordability and proximity to home. 

Throughout his time in the program, Martinez-Bartolo said one of the most valuable aspects has been the exposure to the engineering industry. 

“We spent time learning certain methodologies at the beginning of the semester, and then toward the end, we actually got to travel to Toyota to conduct projects with them, like talking to the line managers and implementing the stuff we learned in class in real settings,” said Martinez-Bartolo. 

Martinez-Bartolo’s next chapter may continue at EKU, where he has applied to pursue a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in manufacturing management. 

A recent investment from Toyota, matched by the state, brings $800,000 in support for EKU’s engineering program. McCoy and Martinez-Bartolo said investments like these reflect strong support for the program, and they are excited about the opportunities it will create for future students. 

EKU’s Engineering degree, with concentrations in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering and engineering science and systems, equips graduates for roles in production supervision, product development, quality control, maintenance supervision, project management, production control and more. For industrial engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median pay of $101,140 per year, with a much faster than average job outlook.